The Best Bad Thing by Yoshiko Uchida

Uchida, Y. (1993). The best bad thing. New York: Simon & Schuster.

I read this book for my reading journal in fulfillment of the requirement to read a book by Yoshiko Uchida. I enjoyed the characters in this book and the honest emotions displayed by the main character, Rinko. When Rinko is sent to live with a family friend and her two sons, she is skeptical about the plan. It is nice to see that the author does not try to hide Rinko's uncertianty of the idea. One particular piece of this story that I enjoyed is a part when the "old man" takes Rinko kite flying. This reminded me of flying kites with my father as a child. I also enjoyed the Japanese cultural elements included in this book. It was interesting to learn a few simple things about Japanese culture as I read.

Although I have not yet read any other books by Uchida, he has written several. Some of his other titles include A Jar of Dreams, Journey Home, The Bracelet, and Picture Bride. The Best Bad Thing reminds me a bit of a book written by Laurence Yep titled Child of the Owl. Like The Best Bad Thing, Yep's book portrays intersting cultural aspects. Child of the Owl however, focused on Chinese rather than Japanese culture.